Hongdae Hairstyling UNIQUE-by (By WonderTrip)

At UNIQUE-by, your appointment can be as simple as a wash and blowout or as involved as a cut, color, or perm. The salon is on the third floor near Hapjeong Station, and the first step is a consultation with a Korean hairstylist about the style you want and what your hair can handle.

I like two things here: you can bring a reference photo, which gives you a clearer way to explain a look across language differences, and stylists offer practical advice about cuts, color, perms, and styling at home. Stylist Ji-won is often named by returning clients, while Jiho is praised for careful consultations and hair-care tips.

The main caution is that communication in English is not consistent, and a reference photo does not guarantee an exact match. Also, appointments are strict: arrive 10 minutes early, because late arrivals and no-shows can lose the booking fee.

What to know before you book

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• A short styling appointment takes about 30 minutes. It includes a hair wash, blow-dry, styling, and professional consultation.
• The salon offers four package types. Choose styling only, a cut, color, or perm, and check the selected package carefully before paying.
• Hair condition matters for chemical services. The stylist checks whether your hair is suitable for coloring or perming before recommending a treatment.
• Photos make consultations easier. Bring a clear picture of the shape or finish you want, especially if you do not speak Korean.
• Hapjeong Station is the nearest transport reference. The salon is about a six-minute walk, roughly 366 meters, from Exit 8.
• Book a time and keep it. Arrive 10 minutes early; same-day changes or cancellations are not allowed.

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A salon appointment in Hongdae, not a sightseeing tour

UNIQUE-by is a working hair salon in Seoul’s Mapo district. The appeal is less about a packaged tourist activity and more about having a Korean stylist assess your hair, talk through a look, and do the service you booked. You can keep it brief with a wash and styling session, or set aside longer for a cut, color, or perm.

The salon is at 55 Yanghwa-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, on the third floor, room 302. The directions provided put it about six minutes on foot from Hapjeong Station Exit 8. It is worth checking the address in a map app before setting out, since finding a third-floor salon can take a little more attention than spotting a street-level shop.

Opening hours are listed as 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, with last admission at 7:00 p.m. That final entry time matters if you are considering a lengthy color or perm service: do not assume a late appointment will leave enough time for every treatment.

Start with the consultation and a photo

Your stylist first needs to understand what you want. A reference photo is useful for showing length, layers, bangs, curl, or color more precisely than a broad request such as short on the sides. You can also bring more than one image to show what you like and what you want to avoid.

Consultation quality is one of the salon’s strengths. Clients describe stylists taking time to ask about preferences, suggest a suitable shape, and explain how to style the result. Ji-won and Jiho are names that come up in connection with attentive consultations and practical advice, though you should not assume you can request a particular stylist unless your booking process confirms it.

English ability varies. Some stylists speak English comfortably, while others may rely on translation apps or visual references. If your haircut depends on a precise detail, confirm the length and shape before the cutting begins. A photo helps, but it is still wise to point out the specific feature that matters most.

Choose the service that fits your plans

The shortest option is Styling only, listed from US$30.09. It includes a wash, blow-dry, and styling, with a professional Korean stylist consultation. The appointment takes about 30 minutes, making it a reasonable fit before dinner, a night out, or a day when you want a polished finish without committing to a major change.

The Cut Package starts from US$33.85. It is the most straightforward choice if you want a fresh shape, layers, or bangs. Several clients have been pleased with careful layering and hair that feels lighter afterward. Results are not automatic, though: one person found the finished shape unbalanced and unlike the reference photo. Use the consultation to agree on the outline and length before the stylist starts.

Hair Color and Perm packages each start from US$112.75. These services cost more and need more time than styling, but they also involve a more substantial consultation. The stylist checks your hair condition and may advise against a chemical treatment if the hair is too damaged or has been faded or colored in a way that makes the requested service unsuitable.

That assessment is a useful safeguard, not a promise that every requested change can be done. If a stylist determines that your hair cannot be colored or permed, the booking information says to contact the phone number on the voucher for verification. A refund is then issued within five to seven working days.

What the appointment feels like

For the styling-only package, expect a wash followed by a blow-dry and finish. It is a short service, but it still gives you a chance to ask how the stylist creates the shape and what you might use to reproduce it at home. Some clients have appreciated tips about styling tools and managing their new look.

A cut appointment adds the discussion of length and shape, followed by the haircut and styling. Timing varies. One client with long hair reported a wash, cut, and blow-dry in about 45 minutes, while another described a much longer visit for a more involved cut and perm. Treat the short appointment estimate as specific to styling only, not a guide for every package.

Color and perm bookings can take considerably longer. One perm appointment that included a root perm, digital perm, cut, and styling took about two and a half hours. That gives you a useful planning example, not a fixed schedule. Avoid squeezing a chemical service between tightly timed activities.

The room has been described as clean, modern, and artistic, with a comfortable feel. Some clients have also received a drink or snacks while waiting. These touches can make a longer appointment easier, but the salon itself is not a large attraction. You are there for the hair service, not a full day of pampering.

What the price buys, and where to check the value

The headline price is given as from US$33.09, while the package prices list styling from US$30.09, cuts from US$33.85, and color or perm services from US$112.75. Because the figures vary by package, compare the exact service and total shown at checkout rather than treating the lowest starting figure as a universal salon price.

For a visitor who wants a booked appointment and a stylist consultation, the package can be worthwhile, especially for a color or perm that calls for advice about hair condition. For a basic cut, compare the package cost with the salon’s direct price before deciding. One person said a women’s cut at the salon was 25,000 won and felt the voucher was not the best value. That is a useful reminder to check current prices, since service rates and package inclusions can differ.

The styling-only price is also a practical point of comparison. If you mainly want a wash and blowout, the roughly 30-minute appointment may suit a tight Seoul schedule. If you are paying for a cut or chemical service, value depends more on the consultation, the stylist’s fit with your preferences, and the final result than on the convenience of booking alone.

Getting there, booking, and avoiding a missed appointment

The address is 55 Yanghwa-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, third floor, room 302. Hapjeong Station Exit 8 is listed as the nearest route, with a six-minute walk of about 366 meters. Give yourself time to find the building and elevator, rather than arriving at the appointment minute and expecting to walk straight into the chair.

You need to reserve in advance. After your booking is confirmed, you can request an appointment time through the Bookings page in the Klook app. A confirmation email with the appointment time is meant to arrive after a successful booking; if it has not arrived within 24 hours, contact customer support.

Arrive 10 minutes early. The policy is firm: late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, and same-day changes or cancellations are not accepted. Changes made at least one day before the activity are free. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, in local destination time.

The voucher is valid only for the date and time specified. Keep the booking details handy, and contact the local agency at +82-10-6898-9030 if you need help with a chemical-service suitability issue.

Who should book UNIQUE-by?

This salon is a good fit if you want a Korean hairstyling appointment in Seoul and are prepared to explain your preferences with a photo and a little patience. It suits visitors looking for a fresh cut, a blowout, or professional guidance before choosing a color or perm. People who have returned for the same stylist particularly value continuity, so if you find a good match, ask how to note that preference for a future visit.

It is a less certain choice if you need an exact result but are uncomfortable with any language gap, or if your schedule cannot absorb a longer chemical treatment. Bring pictures, check your package, ask the stylist to confirm the plan, and arrive early. That small amount of preparation can make the appointment clearer and the result more likely to suit you.

FAQ

Where is UNIQUE-by located?

It is at 55 Yanghwa-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the third floor, room 302. The nearest station directions given are Hapjeong Station Exit 8, about a six-minute walk away.

What services can I book?

The listed packages are Styling only, Cut, Hair Color, and Perm. Styling only includes a wash, blow-dry, styling, and professional stylist consultation.

How long does the styling-only package take?

The styling-only appointment takes about 30 minutes.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

Yes. You need to make a reservation for your preferred date and time. After booking confirmation, you can request an appointment through the Bookings page in the Klook app.

Should I bring a hairstyle photo?

Yes. You can show the stylist a photo as a reference for the hairstyle you want.

What happens if my hair is not suitable for coloring or a perm?

The stylist checks your hair condition before recommending a chemical service. If the stylist confirms your hair cannot be colored or permed, contact the phone number on your voucher for verification. The stated refund time after verification is five to seven working days.

What are the salon’s opening hours?

The salon is listed as open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last admission is at 7:00 p.m.

Can I change or cancel my appointment?

Changes made at least one day before the activity are free. Same-day changes or cancellations are not accepted, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using destination local time.